Diabetes commonly locally called ‘Sukaali’ is a deadly disease and is a significant health concern globally, and its impact is particularly felt in Uganda, where the burden of this chronic condition continues to rise.
In this article we shall Understand the signs, causes, and prevention strategies for diabetes. Don’t miss knowing how Teamwork Homecare is saving Elderly People with Diabetes.
First Things First, What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar). This high blood sugar eventually leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes:
This type is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Up to 10% of people who have diabetes have Type 1.
It’s usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can develop at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections to survive.
Type 2 diabetes:
This is the most common type of diabetes, affecting about 90-95% of people with diabetes. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults (but more and more in children, teens, and young adults).
In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t use insulin well (insulin resistance) or doesn’t make enough insulin. People with type 2 diabetes may need to take medications, including insulin, to control their blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes:
This type develops in some women during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, but women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs when your body can’t make enough insulin, a hormone that helps your cells use glucose (sugar) for energy. This can cause high blood sugar levels, which can harm both you and your baby.
Unfortunately, There’s no Way!
It’s sure for now, there is no known way to prevent Type 1 diabetes. However, researchers are actively investigating the disease and potential ways to prevent it.
Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial to prevent complications associated with the disease.
Not Cure, But you can Manage Diabetes;
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through a combination of treatments:
Insulin therapy: This is the mainstay of treatment, as it replaces the insulin the body cannot produce.
Blood sugar monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar levels helps individuals understand how their body responds to food, exercise, and medications.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are essential for managing blood sugar levels and overall health.
Regular medical checkups: Regular visits to a doctor or healthcare team help ensure proper management of the condition and prevent complications.
So how do you know you may have Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms
Many people with type 2 diabetes experience no or mild symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, some common signs and symptoms include:
Increased thirst and urination:
When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys try to remove the excess sugar from your blood through urination. This can lead to you feeling thirsty more often and needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
Increased hunger:
Even though you may be eating more, your cells aren’t able to use the sugar for energy, which can leave you feeling hungry.
Unexplained weight loss:
Although you may be eating more, your body is unable to use sugar for energy, leading to weight loss.
Fatigue and tiredness: High blood sugar levels can interfere with your body’s ability to use energy from food, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
Blurry vision:
High blood sugar can cause changes in the fluid levels in your eyes, leading to blurry vision.
Slow-healing sores:
High blood sugar can impair circulation and slow down the healing process.
Frequent infections: High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet:
High blood sugar can damage nerves, particularly in the hands and feet, leading to tingling or numbness.
Teamwork Homecare has helped hundreds of elderly people with the disease since its most common in elderly people. We do understand it’s not easy to monitor these people’s health status closely, that’s where teamwork Homecare Nurses and Doctors always come and help with professional healthcare at your comfort.
Contact Teamwork Homecare today to help you analyze the disease and provide immediate healthcare to prevent further illnesses.
Teamwork Homecare has Specialized Doctors that can help you with Screening to help in early detection of the disease. This can lead to timely intervention and better management of the disease from an early age.
Contact us today for help,
Airtel: 0200-909453
MTN: 039-256331
We are located at Naalya Estates, Golden Apartments
Or email us
That’s been a Wrap, I hope you enjoyed this, if you did kindly give it a like 👍 and share with all those that may need it. 🙏
Lets catch up in the next one✌
Teamwork Homecare Team.
